PCI-GPIB Support for Different Operating Systems

Updated Dec 22, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • PCI-GPIB

Driver

  • NI-488.2
  • NI-VISA

Issue Details

  • I have a PCI-GPIB device that I am currently running on an older version of Windows (such as XP). I plan to upgrade to a later version of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. 
  • If I change from Windows to Linux or MacOS will my PCI-GPIB still work? 

Solution

There are two types of NI PCI-GPIB boards.
1. PCI-GPIB/TNT4882C with assembly number 183617K-01, which is revision K
2. PCI-GPIB/TNT5004 with assembly number 188513x-01, where x is A, B, or a later revision

The assembly number is printed on the PCI-GPIB board.

Both boards are supported in Windows and Linux Desktop systems.
Only the PCI-GPIB/TNT4882C is supported with Mac Classic systems. 

However, you need to ensure the driver version is compatible with your new operating system.
The PCI-GPIB boards use NI-VISA and NI-488.2. See the compatibility documents below to see what version of these drivers are supported in different operating systems.

NI-VISA and Operating System Compatibility
NI Hardware and Software Operating System Compatibility

Additional Information

PCI is the same standard on Macintosh systems, Windows systems, Linux, and UNIX systems. 

Both types of the PCI-GPIB board are functionally identical, and switching between the boards should have no effect on your current applications. The NI-488.2 driver software for Mac Classic relies on chip information present on the PCI-GPIB/TNT4882C board, so it will not support the PCI-GPIB/TNT5004 board.

If your application is using LabVIEW, also make sure your version of LabVIEW (or other application development enviroment) is compatible with the versions of NI-VISA and NI-488.2 and is supported on your new Operating System. 

LabVIEW and Microsoft Windows Compatibility
NI-VISA and LabVIEW Version Compatibility
NI-488.2 and LabVIEW Version Compatibility